What is drug resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to drugs, making common infections more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, serious illness and death.
Many factors have accelerated the threat of antibiotic resistance worldwide – including overuse and misuse in humans, livestock and agriculture, as well as poor access to clean water and sanitation.
Antimicrobial resistance has significant impacts on human and animal health and food security, and is linked to environmental problems such as pollution. Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens pose a threat to people everywhere.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign held on 18-24 November every year to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance, and to promote good practices among communities, policy makers and stakeholders following a One Health approach, which plays a key role in reducing the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat
Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are major causes of the development of drug-resistant infections. Inappropriate prescribing and non-compliance with treatment regimens are also causes of drug resistance.
For example, antibiotics kill bacteria but cannot kill viral infections like colds or flu. Yet antibiotics are often prescribed for those conditions or used without proper medical supervision. Antibiotics are also often overused in farming and agriculture.
Lack of access to clean water and sanitation for both humans and animals - Lack of clean water and sanitation in health facilities, farms and communities, as well as inadequate infection prevention and control, promote the emergence and spread of drug resistance.
In Vietnam, antibiotic resistance has become a major public health concern. According to recent antibiotic resistance surveillance results, high rates of antibiotic resistance have been recorded in common bacteria, especially in hospitals. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture are the main causes of antibiotic resistance.
The Ministry of Health recommends that people:
Antibiotics and other antimicrobials should only be used as prescribed by a health care professional.
Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions when using antibiotics.
Never share antibiotics or reuse antibiotics left over from previous treatments.
Prevent infections by washing your hands frequently and preparing food hygienically. Also, avoid close contact with sick people, practice safe sex, and stay up to date on vaccinations.
